The sun streamed down in bright, blinding rays as the two teenagers sat there in the meadow they have come to know as theirs. They both know that it will never be exactly like this again, things are about to change. Even if they can be together within this beautiful space again they will be different people as a result of the coming days.
"You have to win," The girl whispers as she stares at the trees that cover the area right before her eyes. "You have to come home to me. Please, don't leave me."
She's rarely one to show her emotions in such a vulnerable way but with him there is no need to hide. She's never felt the need to shield herself from the slightly older boy.
"I'll win." His deep voice states with a cocky confidence that has always annoyed the young girl laying in his arms. As he saw her dark eyes roll in annoyance he couldn't help the grin that makes its way across his face. He knows those two words are not simply a statement spoken in order to console the beauty before him; rather they are the truth and he will do anything to make sure those words stay true. "And then I'll come home and then before you know it I'll be back here to claim you as mine forever, I love you Katniss Everdeen."
The girl sat up and placed a soft, lingering kiss on her lover's lips before resting her head on his shoulder, his strong arms enveloping her in a hug. "I love you, too, Cato Trintston."
"Cato?" A deep voice caused the two loving teens to look up. The source was Katniss's best friend and a good friend to Cato, as well, Gale Hawthrone. "Brutus said you have to go."
Together the two stood up and made their way back into District 12. Cato stopped in long enough to say goodbye to Katniss' mother and her little sister Prim. Over the years Prim had begun to look at Cato as a big brother, especially after the death of her father. He knew just how worried she was to be participating in her very first reaping tomorrow.
"Don't worry," He spoke gently as he crouched down in front of the small girl. "You won't be picked Prim."
She nodded as tears filled her eyes before she hugged the older boy tightly. Fear coursed through the young girl as she hugged the young man she looked up to as being fearless; but he isn't. As he held the little girl his bright blue eyes met the grey one's belonging to the one girl he loves with all his heart and fear beats within him as he realizes there's a chance that he won't make it back here alive.
"I'm going to walk Cato to Haymitch's house," Katniss spoke as Prim was pulled away lightly. He stood up, gave her mother a quick hug and followed his girlfriend out of the small home.
When they reached the home where his escort and trainer, Brutus was visiting his friend, they did not say goodbye. As Cato boarded the train he couldn't help but wish they had because as District 12 continued to shrink he knew that there was a chance he would never kiss her lips again or look into her eyes. Cato would never admit because Cato Trintston, Career of District 2, cannot appear weak…but honestly, he's terrified.
(Cato's POV)
"Cato, we're watching the reaping," Clove called as she banged on the door to my compartment on the train.
I rolled my eyes at the girl I've known for so many years but I have never really gotten to know, I was blinded to the girls in my school. I focused on training and being the best that I could be because I always knew, deep within my heart that Katniss is the girl for me. Somewhere within my thoughts I had stood and began to follow Clove to the car with the television because I soon found myself sitting in front of it.
I paid attention for District 1 and District 3 to see who we would be allies with and after that I tuned it out. I was distracted as I planned out the letter I was hoping to write to Katniss that before I knew it, the TV was showing District 12.
"Ugh," Clove groaned. "We can turn it off now; we all know they have nothing good to offer. The entire population is trash."
I clenched my hands into fists, stopping myself from leaping across the couch at the younger girl. "I want to watch it." I said through gritted teeth, I want to make sure this girl knows that I, and I alone, am in charge.
With a scoff she crossed her arms and leaned back into the couch as I settled down to watch it. I'd watched this particular reaping a number of times in order to make sure my girl wasn't picked. So I was familiar with the Escort Effie Trinket. I listened to her blab on and on, eventually tuning her out. It wasn't until I heard her say that she would begin with the girls did I sit up.
"Primrose Everdeen." The woman smiled happily as my eyes widened and I stood up in pure shock. No fucking way. No, no, no, they cannot take Prim!
"Cato," Brutus began his warning as our Escort Jaynee and Clove looked oddly at me. I spun around ready to fucking yell in his face when I heard it.
"Prim!" A shrill scream came from the television. I would know that voice anywhere. My entire body was numb as I looked back at the TV to see my girl, my Katniss, push past the peacekeepers.
"I volunteer!" She screamed and repeated it once more when she finally broke past them she straightened herself out. "I volunteer as tribute!"
The entire district looked shocked and I wasn't sure what to think or say as I watched the screen. Prim was crying and screaming for Katniss but in an instant Gale was there picking her up and taking her away, the sight caused my stomach to churn uneasily. What the hell am I supposed to do now? I can't fucking kill her and no one else will.
I turned on my heal, staring down at Brutus with one of the harshest glares I have ever mustered. He seemed to get the idea through his head because he nodded slightly in a we'll talk later sort of way. There is no question about it; Katniss Everdeen will live, even if that means that I have to die.
I was numb as a million thoughts ran through my head. At first I only thought of my Mother, Prim and Gale because they were the ones that were there. I don't know what came over me but I could not let my little, precious baby sister sign her own death certificate. So I volunteered. Now, however, as I sit next to Peeta Mellark in one of the most awkward silences ever I think of Cato. I know he's on a train all his own and I know that he will be there on the other side. Worst of all I know that one of us will have to die.
The thought makes me sick and I can't help but stand up before running out of that car. As I run down a narrow hallway I run into none other than Haymitch, our mentor and a good friend of Cato's trainer Brutus. He grunts as I hit him but I don't apologize. His face is calming for once in my life, him and I have never really gotten along but he and Cato do. He grunts some curse words before looking at me. His eyes are glossy as the result of a hangover but they squint trying to figure out where he's seen me before. Finally recognition dawns on his face.
"Oh god, it's you." He states simply. "Well you better live because your boyfriend is too big and burly for my taste. I would not want to be on his bad side." He pushes past me, wanting to go join Peeta but my voice stops him.
"Haymitch," I call his name and he turns around with a slight eye roll, one he was more than likely hoping I didn't see. "You're forgetting something very important about Cato."
"Oh yeah, sweetheart?" He questions and I nod my head. "What, wise one, have I forgotten?"
"That Cato's a Career…an eighteen year old Career…at the top of his class…" None of this seemed to register for the slightly hungover man. I let out an exasperated sigh before saying it plain and simple, admitting it to myself out loud for the first time. "Haymitch, Cato and I are going to be in that arena together. One of us will die, if not both and we may have to kill each other."
Glossy eyes widened and he shook his head slightly. "Well fuck."
That's exactly what I would say as well.
Alright, so this story will be different from any Katniss/Cato story that I have read. Please just give it time. Since a lot of the stories on here start with the general reaping I won't ask for many reviews. Let's go with two?
Thanks!
-Ashlyn